Recommend me a cheapish beginners bike on the racier end

onrail

With a recent running injury dragging on, I'm looking to get into cycling a bit more seriously - at least until the injury sorts itself, if ever. I currently have a decathlon drop bar bike (RC520) that I used for commuting for a few years, but it feels like a bit of a heavy workhorse. I wont be commuting any more and would like something a bit faster for sunday spins or the odd short dash (25-30km). Maybe the very occasional sportive if things go well.

I've no idea whether I'll stick with the cycling long term, nor whether I'll have much talent (speed is very mediocre so far), so I don't want to spend much - but at the same time I'd like to give it a decent shot.

So as I see it, my options are spending something around the B2W scheme limit, or a used bike. Just this week a used Planet-X pro carbon caught my eye for €650, but I've no idea whether it's a bargain or not. With new bikes, I've no idea where to start. Any recommendations?

Squidgy Black

If I was in your shoes I’d buy a new set of wheels for your 520, you could get a half decent wheel set for about 300 quid and stick on some nicer tyres and it’ll probably knock 1kg or so off the weight of the 520.

They’re a decent bike, just a little bit on the heavier side with the stock wheels

onrail

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120823580#Comment_120823580

That's really interesting, thanks. Any recommendations? I'm completely clueless

Squidgy Black

I’m assuming it’s a disc RC520 you have, so something like the Prime Attaquers https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/ie/p/prime-attaquer-disc-alloy-wheelset or these from Scribe https://scribecycling.com/en-eu/collections/alloy-disc-brake/products/365d-alloy-wheelset

Then stick a set of low rolling resistance tyres like Continental GP5000s, or Schwalbe Pro Ones, and I’d say your triban will feel a lot lighter and less sluggish

beggars_bush

Find a club or cycle group and get out with them. If you were running you have the fitness

fat bloke

What size frame / what height are you?

onrail

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120824057#Comment_120824057

I'm a touch under 5'7", small frame on my current bike

nicksnikita

I’d be going for something like this for your budget/requirements:

https://www.adverts.ie/30752342

I’m Recommending the rim brake model specifically as I’d imagine the disc version of this is quite heavy/sluggish also.

A size 52 frame may suit better for your height. A 54 would be more of a medium size. I ride a size 54 Trek at 5’9” for reference. But the above is an example of what can be gotten around the €400 mark.

Regarding the Planet X; they’re generally well specced and are a great bike, in my opinion; but the most popular model of Pro Carbon has been on the go for over 10 years now so tread carefully if you choose to buy a carbon frame of that age.

onrail

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120824337#Comment_120824337

Thanks a million, so in money terms, fairly similar to a new set of wheels. Gives me plenty to think about.

On the carbon bike - is damage/durability a concern?

nicksnikita

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120824520#Comment_120824520

I wouldn't be afraid or putting you off an older carbon bike as long as it's in good condition. Damage would be a concern on any metal or carbon bike.

The type of bike I linked in above are generally B2W purchases that have had limited usage.

Older carbon bikes can be great but just like an older car, it's more likely to have had multiple owners, more wear and tear over the years etc

beggars_bush

There was a giant tcr di2 SL for sale on adverts earlier for less than €1000

You'd be amazed what pops up for sale

rolling boh

If budget is an issue bear in mind parts for the higher spec bikes can be costly if you buy an older bike second hand .Always a chance new parts will be needed a little down the road especially if you plan to do a fair bit of cycling distance mounts up over a few months quick enough .

fat bloke

https://www.donedeal.ie/bicycles-for-sale/genesis-z2-full-carbon/34257289.

A fine bike. Lovely frame and can't beat ultegra!

fat bloke

Seems to be sold now!

breezy1985

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120824337#Comment_120824337

Despite being a bit of a snob regarding Trek I went for one of these due to the price and it's really won me over.

RoboRat

I had a Giant TCR and it was great - very light and it has a good cycling position. Here is one for €530 which is a good price.

It has decent gearing, and if you really get into it, you could always upgrade the gearing to Ultegra and it wouldn't cost that much. I would focus on getting a good frame over the gearing as it gives you options if you decide it's for you. If not, you can sell it and not lose out on much.

https://www.donedeal.ie/bicycles-for-sale/giant-tcr-as-new/34498977